This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Chevrolet Cruze electrical problems
severe 61 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
61
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2crashes
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 61 electrical complaints filed for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 61 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Electrical gremlins plague the 2011 Cruze across the board. Owners consistently report radio, dash lights, and entire electrical systems flickering or shutting down without pattern. The car stalls without warning at highway speeds—one driver was doing 65 mph when the engine died, and OnStar found no fault codes. Another owner's entire electrical system reset while accelerating between first and second gear, leaving the car in limp mode. Restart times range from a few minutes to over an hour when it happens.
The grounding wire tightening and negative battery cable replacement that dealers offer as fixes rarely stick; owners report the same failures recurring weeks or months later. One customer spent $1,247 on repairs that never diagnosed the real problem—the car eventually shut down on a busy road.
Fuel gauge reads wildly, speedometer jumps to 60 mph while parked, and dashboard instruments flange up and down rapidly during loss-of-power events. AC turns on unprompted while heater is running. Door locks cycle on and off while driving. Airbag systems either fail to deploy or show phantom "off" lights when passengers are seated.
Engine power reduction is a separate but parallel issue: the car downshifts hard for no reason at 20–25 mph, and the computer locks out driver input for 5–30 seconds while the vehicle slows radically. No brake lights activate, so following drivers have no warning. One owner counted at least 40 incidents of this behavior, creating collision risk every time it happens.
Burning smells and one documented electrical fire at 16,000 miles underscore the severity. Dealers repeatedly say "we found nothing wrong" or recommend $400–$800 fixes with no guarantee they'll work.
Same Chevrolet Cruze electrical reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Electrical system shorts and power loss
Radio, dash, headlights, and entire electrical systems flicker or shut off intermittently. Steering wheel and instrument panel reset unexpectedly. Complete loss of dashboard power, gauges, and all lights except radio. Multiple reports of engine stalling without warning, followed by inability to restart immediately.
When: Variable; some at startup, some during highway driving 60-70 mph, some at stops; as early as first service, up to 130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Radio and dash flickering on/off or shutting down completely; All electrical systems resetting or losing power simultaneously; Engine stalling or dying while driving; Loss of headlights, brake lights, interior lights; Key cannot be removed from ignition after shutdown; Dashboard instruments (speedometer, RPM, temperature gauges) displaying erratically or flinging up/down rapidly; Entire vehicle powering down mid-drive with no dashboard power
Codes mentioned: CHECK ENGINE, SERVICE STABILITRAC, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE PARKING ASSIST, SERVICE AIRBAG, SERVICE ESP
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have tightened grounding wires (reported as ineffective) and replaced negative battery cables multiple times without resolving the issue. Replacement of battery cables cited by owners as temporary or non-working fix. One owner replaced negative cable with OEM part; problem recurred. Negative battery terminal clamp replacement performed under TSB 14311 did not stop recurrence.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 14311; NHTSA Campaign 10057574 (Electrical System) issued for negative battery terminal clamp replacement. Dealer service offered grounding wire tightening and battery cable replacement. GM told one owner they planned to do nothing and recommended $400 throttle block installation. No recalls acknowledged by owners for the core electrical dropout issue.
Engine power reduction and loss of vehicle control
Engine loses power suddenly, often at highway speeds. Check engine light and 'engine power reduced' messages appear. Vehicle downshifts unpredictably or computer assumes full control, preventing driver input for 5-30 seconds. Transmission will not shift. Hazardous because other drivers cannot see brake lights (since brakes are not applied), and driver has no control.
When: 40-70 mph, both highway and residential; some on cold mornings (5 degrees); some during acceleration from stop; some while coasting to stops at 20-25 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Engine loses power suddenly; Radical unintended downshift to first gear with hard braking effect; Computer takes full control; accelerator input produces no response for 5+ seconds; Temperature and RPM gauges fluctuate wildly; Engine idles roughly and putts on initial takeoff; Car acts as if it will stall during idling or driving; RPM jumps to 4-5 while only reaching 35 mph; Jerking between gears 1 and 2 (at acceleration from stopped position); Speed deceleration from 65 mph to 30 mph without braking
Codes mentioned: CHECK ENGINE, SERVICE STABILITRAC, ENGINE POWER REDUCED
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have diagnosed as faulty ground wire and replaced; problem persisted. Owner was quoted $800 for air intake manifold and throttle body replacement with no guarantee it would fix the issue. Reported O2 sensor check did not identify root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives; one owner stated GM's response was to recommend a $400 throttle block install. No recalls cited.
Fuel gauge malfunction
Fuel gauge does not register full after fill-up and moves erratically up and down the scale, making it impossible to rely on fuel level reading.
When: Since April 21, 2014 (one owner); reported continuously after that date
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge does not show full after fill-up; Fuel gauge moves up and down the scale erratically
Repairs/costs cited: Not documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty covered repairs on April 26, 2016, but owner states the dealer 'did not want to help' address this issue.
Engine stalling and inability to restart
Engine stalls unexpectedly, sometimes in traffic or at highway speeds, leaving driver stranded. When engine dies, electrical messages flood the dashboard. Restart may not be possible for 15 minutes to over an hour.
When: Between 1st and 2nd gear acceleration, during coasting, at highway speeds, at stop lights; one vehicle at 69,000 miles (Jan, Sept, Nov); as early as 16,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stops without warning; Complete power loss (radio, dash lights, headlights, brake lights); Flood of electrical warning messages when stalled; Unable to restart vehicle for extended periods (15 min to 1+ hour); Key stuck in ignition when engine dies; No error codes detected by computer (OnStar check and dealer diagnostics found nothing)
Codes mentioned: CHECK POWER STEERING, CHECK AIRBAG, CHECK TRACTION CONTROL
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to find a problem when vehicle is tested. One owner's OnStar diagnostic 5 hours after incident showed no error codes. Dealer stated there was nothing wrong after inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer did not assist per one complaint. No recalls or TSBs cited for this failure mode.
Stability and traction control system malfunctions
Stabilitrac/traction control light illuminates frequently, sometimes accompanied by error messages, stiff steering, and vehicle vibration. Power steering can fail when these lights activate. System may fail to clear for hours.
When: Highway and local roads; recent reports (last month per one 2023 complaint); as early as 16,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Stabilitrac/traction service control lights on; Steering wheel becomes stiff and hard to maneuver; Vehicle vibration like an earthquake; Air conditioning turns off; Power steering failure; Service messages do not clear for hours; Car will not start when error messages are present
Codes mentioned: SERVICE STABILITRAC, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE ESP
Repairs/costs cited: Not documented in narratives as successfully repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM told one owner 'there is nothing they can do.' No recalls or TSBs cited.
Speedometer malfunction
Speedometer displays false readings, jumping to 35-60+ mph while vehicle is parked or at a stop, then slowly falling back to zero. Happens sporadically and repeatedly.
When: While parked with engine running; at stop lights; early in vehicle ownership (16,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer reads 35-100 mph while vehicle is stationary or stopped; Speedometer reading fluctuates and slowly returns to zero; Malfunction happens intermittently and repeatedly
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer said speedometer replacement needed but required ordering. Dealer in second city could not find the malfunction and stated they could not do anything until a technician witnesses it. Computer reprogramming was performed on one vehicle without resolving the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Electrical fire
Vehicle burst into flames while being driven at low speed. Fire department determined origin was electrical. Vehicle was destroyed.
When: 16,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from underneath instrument panel; Vehicle burst into flames
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; no repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred owner to legal department. No recall or TSB cited.
Battery cable corrosion and failure
Acid residue present on negative and positive battery cable leads, causing corrosion. Difficulty starting engine or inability to start. Negative cable has history of degradation over time.
When: As early as 2,000 miles; 3,000 miles; reported as ongoing issue requiring replacement at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Acid residue on battery cable terminals; Difficulty starting engine; Complete inability to start; Engine dying and inability to restart for extended period
Repairs/costs cited: Negative battery cable replaced multiple times by dealers, including OEM replacement. Positive cable also affected but replacement did not resolve starting issues. One owner replaced negative cable and problem recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified per one complaint but offered no documented assistance. TSB 14311 and Campaign 10057574 address negative battery terminal clamp, but problem persists.
Body Control Module (BCM) failure
Multiple electrical components fail simultaneously or intermittently: brake lights, power locks, windshield wipers inoperable. Key fails to disengage from ignition. Independent mechanic diagnosed BCM replacement needed.
When: 130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights inoperable; Power door locks inoperable; Windshield wipers inoperable; Ignition key fails to disengage; requires holding button underneath steering panel to remove key
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed BCM replacement needed. Vehicle was not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but offered no assistance.
Airbag system malfunction
Airbag did not deploy during rear-end collision at 25-30 mph, resulting in head injury. Separate issue: front passenger airbag 'off' light illuminates intermittently even when adult is in seat, indicating system fault. Weight sensor failure causes airbag warning not to illuminate when occupant weighs 120 pounds.
When: At collision (early ownership); intermittent after ownership; early in ownership (16,000 miles for weight sensor issue)
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag failed to deploy in rear-end collision at 25-30 mph; Front passenger airbag 'off' light comes on intermittently with adult in seat; Airbag warning light does not illuminate when front seat occupant weighs 120 pounds
Codes mentioned: SERVICE AIRBAG
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer checked and said everything is OK (for intermittent 'off' light). No repair made. Weight sensor issue not repaired per narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented for intermittent issues. Vehicle not repaired.
Door locks and windows malfunction
Door locks lock and unlock uncontrollably while driving. Windows open and close without button being pressed. Door ajar warnings sound while car is in motion even though doors are not open.
When: While driving; as part of broader electrical cascade failures
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks cycle on and off repeatedly without driver input; Windows open and close without button being pressed; Door ajar warnings and beeping while driving; Locks reset suddenly
Repairs/costs cited: Not documented as repaired in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Key fob separation and ignition key issues
Metal key separates from key fob on multiple occasions. Ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed. Key fails to disengage from ignition after turning off vehicle.
When: Three separate occasions (one owner); reported at various mileages; as early as 3,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Metal key separates from key fob; Ignition key stuck; cannot remove from ignition; Key fails to disengage after vehicle is turned off; Must hold button underneath steering panel to remove key
Repairs/costs cited: First two occurrences covered under warranty and fixed by dealer. No details on repair method provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty coverage provided for first two incidents; no long-term fix implemented.
Temperature sensor and thermostat failure
Temperature sensors fail, causing heater not to work initially and overheating issues. Thermostat failure reported requiring replacement. Car smells funny and overheats when heat is turned on.
When: Reported at various intervals; one owner had two overheating incidents within one year
Symptoms owners cite: Heater does not work initially; Engine overheating; Burning smell coming from vents; Heating system does not warm car; Coolant system issues
Codes mentioned: CHECK ENGINE
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer removed air bubbles and topped off radiator. Two temperature sensors required replacement. Thermostat and thermo pipe replacement needed. Dealer mechanics mentioned these failures are typical in Cruzes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response or recall documented.
Burning smell and odor issues
Burning electrical smell emits from engine and through HVAC system into cabin. Gasoline smell when heat is on. Oil leakage causing smoke. Burning smell from coil wire area where oil drips.
When: Since purchase (Nov 2016 for one; ongoing annually for another); 36,000 miles for one incident
Symptoms owners cite: Burning electrical smell in cabin and from engine; Burning smell when heat is on; Gasoline odor when heat is on; Oil leakage causing smoke; Red hot coil wire area from oil dripping
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer taken to several times; diagnosis unknown. Valve cover gasket recall repair performed but oil continued to drip and smoke, causing coil wire to turn red hot.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Valve cover gasket recall issued but did not resolve oil leakage and burning issues.
Engine hesitation and hesitation after stops
Car hesitates after stopping at lights or signs, and while in motion. Reported annually as recurring issue. Rough idling and stalling sensation.
When: Recurring annually since February 2015; while in motion and at stops
Symptoms owners cite: Car hesitates after stopping at lights or signs; Hesitation while in motion, almost causing collision; Burning smell at times; Rough engine idle
Codes mentioned: ENGINE POWER REDUCED
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic stated it was a sensor, but specifics unclear and problem not resolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
AC/heating system malfunction
AC turns on at strange times when heater is running. AC turns off unexpectedly while driving. Heating system malfunctions with overheating messages.
When: Since April 2014; during driving when AC is not on
Symptoms owners cite: AC comes on at strange times when running heater; AC turns off due to high engine temperature message when AC is not on; Heat not working; Overheating messages; Engine idle messages related to heat
Codes mentioned: AC TURNED OFF DUE TO HIGH ENGINE TEMP
Repairs/costs cited: Not documented as successfully repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under warranty initially (April 21, 2014), but dealer did not help address the problem per owner.
Coolant leaks
Coolant leaking under pressure from water outlet and water pump. Leaks occur multiple times requiring repeat service. Causes check engine light and sensor malfunctions.
When: Multiple times throughout ownership; at least three separate occasions documented
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leaking from water outlet and water pump; Check engine light malfunction; Engine coolant temperature sensor malfunction; Radiator control temperature sensor malfunction
Codes mentioned: CHECK ENGINE
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant topped off and air bubbles removed. Multiple visits for same issue. Thermostat and thermo pipe replacement needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response or recall documented for this specific issue.
Engine fan failure
Part of engine fan sheered off and destroyed AC unit. Fan failure reported as causing component damage.
When: Within 1 month of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fan part sheered off; AC unit destroyed
Repairs/costs cited: AC unit replacement required at cost of $2,500.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Power steering failure
Power steering fails or becomes stiff during electrical system dropouts or when stabilitrac light activates. Complete loss of power steering, forcing driver to manually steer.
When: During broader electrical cascade failures; reported at 40-55 mph; on highway; during traction control activation
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fails suddenly; Steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to maneuver; Complete loss of power steering for 30+ seconds
Codes mentioned: SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABILITRAC
Repairs/costs cited: Not documented as successfully repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Synthesized from 61 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Heater at first did not work; dealer removed air bubbles and topped off radiator. The dealer mechanics mentioned that typically the thermostats or temperature sensors have gone in the cruzes. 2 weeks later - sure enough, back at dealership - need 2 temperature sensors now. Based on blog activities - it seems like these warrant a recall. *tr
Had electrical trouble with your 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
It's a meaningful issue. 61 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 44 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 34,000 and 88,895 miles, with the median around 58,278. A quarter of owners report trouble before 34,000; a quarter make it past 88,895. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Chevrolet/Cruze.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.